For more than 50 years, Neptune Terminals in North Vancouver have connected Canadian commodities to world markets.
On average, approximately 330 ships visit its bulk shipping terminal located on the north side of the Burrard Inlet per year to be loaded with potash and steelmaking coal.
Although these ships are bound for global destinations, Neptune has an equally significant impact on the local North Shore economy.
In 2019, for instance, Neptune spent approximately $10 million procuring goods and services from North Shore businesses.
“Neptune prioritizes local procurement on the North Shore, and then beyond that elsewhere throughout British Columbia. We purchase goods and services from many small businesses locally—everything from catering to vehicles and environmental consulting services,” explains Duana Kipling, Neptune’s acting president. “As we grow, so too does our ability to support local business and inject more money into the local economy.”
As one of the largest taxpayers in the City of North Vancouver, Neptune contributes significantly to municipal revenue. Neptune and other waterfront terminals also contribute to local infrastructure through a gateway infrastructure improvement fee. Since 2010, Neptune has contributed $10 million to local infrastructure, including Low Level Road.
Neptune is a large local employer, with approximately 350 full-time equivalent positions, including around 50 staff, many of whom live on the North Shore. The rest of the positions are held by unionized employees, including foremen and longshoremen from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). When Neptune’s upgraded steelmaking coal system becomes operational in 2021, more jobs will be added.
Neptune’s strong commitment to providing safe operations for its employees and protecting the environment in which it operates, along with its commitment to giving back to the community, have all contributed to its decades-long success on the North Shore.
Neptune is partnering and providing funding for more than 35 community organizations every year, including those supporting vulnerable seniors, children and youth or protecting and enhancing our local environment and species like salmon.
Neptune also provides youth with more opportunities to be active by sponsoring youth sports leagues and providing financial support for families who can’t afford the cost of sport registration fees.
Other community contributions include supporting the Edible Garden project at Loutet Farm and, most recently, sponsoring the new shipping container “parklet” being built by the City of North Vancouver at 17th and Lonsdale that will provide a covered area for people to gather.
This focus on the community and giving back has earned Neptune many local awards and nominations, including the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Community Contribution Award (2013), North Shore Neighborhood House Heart of Community Award (2018) and a nomination for the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ 2019 Giving Hearts Awards, which has been delayed due to COVID-19.
“Neptune has been operating responsibly on the North Shore for 52 years, with care for our employees and our community. This is our home, and we value the opportunity to do business here. We take our responsibility seriously to contribute to the local environment and community and to be a good neighbour,” adds Kipling.
“We’ve been here for more than 50 years and hope to operate on the North Shore for another 50 or more.”
